The health and safety of healthcare workers and our ability to provide and support patient care remain our priorities. Recently, community-wide transmission of COVID-19 has occurred in the United States (U.S. Department of State), including New York State, and the number of persons under investigation (PUI) and confirmed cases is increasing in New York State. The situation of COVID-19 infections identified in the United States continues to evolve and is changing very rapidly.
It is important that all agencies stay informed of current guidelines by regularly visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and NYSDOH websites, as well as the NYSDOH Health Trading System (HCS), for the most up-to-date information for healthcare providers. If the person infected with COVID-19 in your care shows any of these signs, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Developed by Northwell pulmonologist Dr. Gita Lisker, the CROWN program can quickly send a home care nurse, a phlebotomist to draw blood for specific COVID tests, a pulse oximeter to track blood oxygen level, and a supplemental oxygen tank, all usually the same day the patient is enrolled in the program.
Both the caregiver and the infected person must wear a medical mask every time they share a space. For people with mild or moderate symptoms, the best thing to do is to provide the care they need while maintaining a safe distance. Because the programs are designed to provide care for anyone with COVID-19 who does not require intensive care, they include a wide variety of services. The caregiver should wear a medical mask when caring for the infected child and should wash their hands before AND after any interaction with the infected child.
When it's not possible to separate the child and caregiver from the rest of the family, try to separate people at high risk of serious illness from the infected child and their caregiver. If possible, there should be only one person, who is healthy and not at high risk, in the home who cares for the infected child. However, older adults and people of any age with existing long-term (chronic) medical conditions should call their healthcare provider as soon as symptoms begin. The new COVID home care initiative builds on and coordinates a variety of pre-existing Northwell programs, such as Northwell Health Solutions, the health system's care management program; primary care; home care; post-acute services; and numerous specialties, including cardiology, neurology and radiology.
Instead of face-to-face contact, care managers can use telephone or telehealth capabilities to obtain verbal consent, providing clear information about the Health Home Program, including permission to share Protected Health Information (PHI). Northwell Health has launched a home care initiative for people infected with COVID-19, so that they can receive effective treatment without having to go to a hospital. The caregiver and others in a household with a child infected with COVID-19 should pay close attention to how they are feeling (even if they are vaccinated or taking care). For seriously ill patients who have high-risk characteristics, such as persistent shortness of breath or fever, possibly with an underlying health condition, the CROWN program provides a level of care close to the hospital.
